Critical Asian Studies

Afterword

Japan-Related Linguistic Intervention

Abstract:

In this commentary on articles published in a thematic collection entitled "Heritage, Nationhood, and Language: Japanese Connections" (Critical Asian Studies 42, nos. 1 and 2) the author observes that languages we speak are "often the product of historical, sociopolitical, and socioeconomic trends, accidents, and forces. They are insufficient to completely define or enclose our identities." Thus, the author wonders, can any language be said to be "the best, most perfect one for any of us?"